Senior Resource Consent Planner

Selwyn District Council; Rolleston; On-site; NZD 111,629 - 148,838; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work-life balance

Career development

Life insurance

Wellbeing leave

Holiday between Christmas

Partners Leave

Sick leave day-one

KiwiSaver contributions

Discounts

Job summary

Selwyn District Council seeks a passionate Planner to join their Rolleston-based team in a full-time permanent role. You will lead complex planning work, mentor others, and collaborate across the Planning Team to deliver quality outcomes.

Starting salary is grade 18 with a range of NZD 111,629 to 148,838. Ideal candidates have 7+ years in planning/resource management, NZ planning knowledge, and strong written/verbal communication.

Qualifications

• Degree in planning, resource management or similar.
• At least 7 years' experience in planning/resource management.
• Experience with council hearings and presenting to councils.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert advice on the RMA and District Plan to Council and customers.
• Manage complex resource consents, attend hearings, and act as expert witness for Council.
• Lead and mentor junior planners; drive team development and continuous improvement.

Skills

Senior level

Communication

Mentoring

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Education

Planning degree

Tools

MS Office

Job description

We are seeking a passionate, motivated and experienced Planner to join our team in a full-time permanent role.

Selwyn offers a unique mix of rural charm and urban development. Based in Rolleston, just 25km from Christchurch (20 min drive), you'll enjoy a family-friendly lifestyle, easy access to the outdoors, and a workplace that values balance, wellbeing, and collaboration.

What We Can Offer

• Great work-life balance with flexibility
• Career coaching and development
• Life insurance
• Wellbeing and volunteer leave
• Three days paid leave between Christmas and New Year
• Two weeks paid Partners Leave
• Sick leave from day one
• Continued KiwiSaver contributions during savings suspension
• Discounts with local and national businesses

About The Roles

As a Senior Resource Consent Planner, you'll play a key role in continuing to shape Selwyn's future. You'll lead complex planning work, support and mentor others, and work closely with team leaders to contribute to continuous improvement across the team.

Your work will be guided by your interests and development goals, balanced with the team's work plans and priorities. You could see yourself:

• Providing expert advice on the RMA (Resource Management Act) and District Plan to Council, senior leaders and customers
• Managing complex resource consent processes, including attendance at Council hearings and acting as an expert witness on behalf of Council in relation to appeals
• Making decisions under delegated authority on resource consent decisions and supporting sound decision-making
• Collaborating across Council on policy, plan changes, monitoring, and compliance
• Providing coaching and mentoring to developing planners
• Leading and contributing to team development and improvement initiatives

Starting salary will be based on knowledge, skills and experience the successful candidate brings to the role: Grade 18 - $111,629 - $148,838.

About The Team

You will be part of the supportive Planning Team and help lead a team of Resource Management Planners and Graduate Planner.

About You

We're looking for experienced planners who are already operating at the senior level or ready to take the next step in their career. Ideally, you will demonstrate:

• A degree in planning, resource management or similar
• At least 7 years' experience in planning/resource management
• Council hearing experience and an ability to clearly and confidently convey technical matters
• Strong working knowledge and understanding of the Resource Management Act
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing
• Digital literacy and adaptability to new systems
• A full New Zealand driver's licence

Your attitude and approach at work are just as important as your experience. You'll be collaborative, pragmatic, solutions-focused, and bring your sense of humour. You'll build relationships with ease and are ready to make an impact in our growing team and community.

About Us

Selwyn is one of the fastest-growing districts in New Zealand. We have a fantastic quality of life, great communities, and a thriving economy. Our Council works actively with residents to provide the services and facilities that help our communities to thrive and grow.

Our head office is based in Rolleston (only 25km from Christchurch), which offers an enviable family lifestyle, outstanding local facilities and an easy drive to the ski fields, rivers and hills that make up Canterbury's stunning landscape.

Our values are important to us and represent the way we work:

• Be a good human
• Be brave - Think differently
• Better together- Make it happen for Selwyn.

We honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and we are committed to working with our Treaty partner to deliver on our obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

If you'd like to play a part in making Selwyn the best place to live, work and play, join us today!